Highlights | ||
 | Strengthening food safety and nutrition policies and services in south-eastern Europe | |
| This publication provides information on the effectiveness of food and nutrition control systems in south-eastern countries, and recommendations to ensure effective, science-based food safety systems and healthy diets. | ||
| The Second European action plan for food and nutrition policy | |
 The action plan provides a framework for integrated action on food safety and nutrition. | ||
| The importance of food safety [WHO headquarters] | |
| 10 facts | ||
Foodborne diseases encompass a wide spectrum of illnesses and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They are associated with the ingestion of food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals as well as bio-toxins.
Throughout the WHO European Region, food contamination is very common, even in the most developed countries, and foodborne diseases reach epidemic proportions in several Member States.
WHO/Europe supports its Member States in building capacity to manage food safety challenges according to the Second WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy 2007-2012, which includes a wide range of actions in the area of food safety.
'Governments need to give food safety just as much attention as they devote to the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. Not everyone needs to take medicine every day, but all people need food, each and every day.'
- Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General
